Tuesday, September 16, 2008

it's not Sunday anymore, is it?

Well, I'd like to say that I'm just the rebellious sort who wanted to "break the rules" and post a short story Sunday type post on Tuesday, but frankly, that would be a big fat lie. I'm not rebellious. I'm disorganized. I should probably skip it altogether as I only got one short story under my belt last week anyway. But it was such a good one, that I just decided to throw together a short post.

I'm still reading my way through Daphne du Maurier's Classics of the Macabre. And I must say, I am going to be so heart-broken when I finish it. She has definitely taken over, after just three stories, the number one slot on my list of favorite short story writers. So of course it's quite exciting to think about her full-length books out there waiting for me.

Anyway, on to the story..."The Blue Lenses." Wow...I think it's my favorite yet! Marda West has undergone surgery on her eyes. She's been wrapped in bandages for quite some time while her eyes heal. We meet her shortly before the surgeon is to remove those bandages and insert a set of blue lenses. These lenses, which make everything appear blue, are to remain in her eyes for a few days before the permanent ones are inserted. Marda's sight is restored, but at what price? Sorry, but I just can't say more for fear of ruining the story. But this is definitely one very clever, very unsettling story.

You know what I think I love most about du Maurier's stories...the fact that she makes it impossible for one not to relate to the characters. I feel myself trapped in their circumstances, and wondering how I would react. And bottom line, I worry that I would simply go mad.

9 comments:

Ha ha--well that answers the question I left for you on my blog--which stories are your favorites. I keep hearing about this du Maurier lady :) and I guess I have to pick her up!! Glad you're enjoying it so much!

And I had the same problem with you for Short Story Sundays. In theory it was a good idea to me but Sunday is always my catch up day--usually trying to finish my novel before the next week starts.

Sounds like a very interesting story and tops among short story writers is high praise. I'll definitely have to check this one out! Glad you didn't let the fact that it's uh...no longer Sunday stop you from sharing! Late *is* better than never - and say, if you want to take the optimist's view, you could just say that you're way early for next Sunday! ;-)